Bandit kingpin demands gold from 4  Zamfara communities as protection levy

A notorious bandit kingpin, identified as Sani Black, has reportedly issued an extraordinary demand to four communities in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State — insisting they deliver 150 kilogrammes of pure gold as a “protection levy.”

The ultimatum, which targets the villages of Dada, Gidan Shaho, Marmaro, and Rimni, marks a departure from the usual extortion of cash or livestock by armed groups operating in the region.

Sources in the area believe the demand is tied to the communities’ alleged involvement in illegal gold mining, which has become a lucrative target for criminal gangs seeking new streams of income.

A youth leader, speaking under condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the group’s leader assumes villagers can meet the demand. “He believes several of them have access to gold,” the source explained.

Another resident echoed the concern, saying the attackers are convinced locals can pay in gold. “The terrorists know we no longer have money or animals to give them, so they’re asking for gold, which they believe we can provide,” he said.

Zamfara and neighbouring states in Nigeria’s northwest have endured over a decade of insecurity, with bandits engaging in mass killings, abductions, and forced levies. In some cases, these groups have taken direct control of mining sites to exploit gold resources themselves.

Residents of the affected villages are reportedly weighing options to either meet the demand or negotiate for a reduction in the quantity of gold requested.

(DAILY POST)